Thriving Parent-ing

Hello, Thrivers! In today’s episode of Thriving Parenting, I’m diving into a powerful reminder: you can do hard things. As parents, we often hesitate when facing challenges, but just like learning to drive, every difficult moment is an opportunity to grow.

I revisit a key topic from episode 41—giving ourselves permission to struggle—and explore new insights on resilience, self-trust, and the science behind doing hard things. I share two inspiring client stories, real-life examples of parents navigating sleep struggles with their babies, and how small, intentional steps made a big difference.

We talk about:

• The role of neuroplasticity in parenting challenges
• How small, manageable steps lead to lasting change
• The importance of self-compassion and mindset shifts
• Breathing techniques to regulate emotions in tough moments
• Why perfection isn’t the goal—connection, growth, and trust are

Parenting isn’t about getting everything right. It’s about showing up, learning, and evolving. If you’re feeling stuck in patterns that aren’t serving you, remember—you have the power to shift, no matter how small.

If this episode resonated with you, I’d love for you to share it or leave a review. Let’s continue to grow and thrive together. 💛

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 47 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Have you ever wondered why your child seems fearful of things you know are perfectly safe or why they resist certain situations that feel normal to you?

In today’s episode, we dive deep into the fascinating difference between perspective and perception.

I promise, this episode is going to be incredibly enlightening and powerful for your parenting journey. While I’m no psychologist, I’ll be breaking this down in the simplest way possible—because that’s how I learn too! As a mind-body practitioner, I geek out over psychology and love understanding how our brains work. But don’t worry, you don’t need a degree to follow along—just an open mind and a willingness to see things from your child’s perspective.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• The fundamental difference between perspective (how adults see the world) and perception (how children experience it).
• Why young children rely solely on their senses and emotions to interpret the world.
• How experiences shape their perceptions of safety and trust.
• Why some children struggle with sleep in a cot and how we can gently shift their perception of safety.
• How your own perceptions of sleep and independence influence your child’s experience.
• The role of consistency, regulation, and positive messaging in helping your child feel safe and secure.

"Children see magic because they look for it. Adults see magic because they’ve learned where it’s hidden."

We have the privilege of showing our children where safety, comfort, and trust are hidden. It’s in our words, our calm presence, and the consistency of our love that we help shape their world.

If you loved this episode, please leave a review or reach out—I’d love to hear from you! And if you need personalized support, I’m here to help. Until next time, Thrivers!

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 46 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

In this episode of Thriving Parenting, I sit down with Loz and Lu from the Ready or Not podcast, and it’s an absolute must-listen for every working mum out there! Loz and Lu are two powerhouse women who have figured out how to make work and motherhood work—well, most of the time—and they’re here to share their real, raw, and relatable stories with us.

We kick off the conversation by chatting about how Loz and Lu first met, their friendship, and how the Ready or Not podcast came to life. Spoiler alert: it all started with long walks and voice memos during the pandemic. What I love about their story is how they turned their everyday motherhood struggles and insights into a platform that resonates with so many women.

In this episode, we dive deep into:

• How Loz and Lu balanced starting a podcast with pregnancies, babies, and big career shifts.
• The emotional and logistical challenges of returning to work after having kids.
• The reality of juggling sick days, daycare drop-offs, and meetings.
• How the Ready or Not podcast evolved with spin-offs like Witching Hour and Ask Ready or Not.

Loz shares her morning hacks (hello, robe-over-work-clothes trick!) and Lu opens up about redefining thriving as a working mum. We also cover the pressures of being “on” 24/7 and the importance of setting boundaries—both at work and at home.

One of my favourite parts of our chat? We talked about the simple joys that kids remember most, like drawing rainbows together, and how those small moments can mean more than grand adventures.

Loz’s parting advice is golden: “If you don’t change it, you choose it.” Whether it’s tweaking your morning routine or setting clearer work boundaries, small changes can make a big impact.

If you're a mum navigating work, life, and everything in between, you’ll feel seen and heard in this episode. We also highlight helpful resources like Loz and Lu’s guides on returning to work, navigating childcare, and balancing breastfeeding with a career.

Let me know your biggest takeaway from this episode—what resonated with you most? And don’t forget to check out Loz and Lu’s podcast Ready or Not for even more honest, supportive conversations about work and motherhood.

Tune in, take a deep breath, and remember: you’re doing a great job!

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 45 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Happy New Year! I can’t believe it’s 2025. This year, I’m stepping up—especially with Sleep Thrive Grow. After five years of running my business, I’m ready to:

• Be more visible.
• Launch programs without hesitation.
• Stop making excuses and take action.

The Sleep Thrive Grow Membership:

I’m excited to announce our new membership, featuring:

• Fortnightly Coaching Calls: Safe, supportive guidance.
• Masterclasses & Resources: Tools to help you navigate your child’s sleep journey.
• Course Access: Including Arms to Cot for tailored support.

Common Blocks and How to Overcome Them:

• Money: Could small sacrifices help you invest in yourself?
• Time: Are you using time intentionally? Even 10 minutes can make a difference.

Take the First Step:

Think about one change you want to make. Identify the block holding you back and start small. Remember:

• Done is better than perfect.
• Movement is better than standing still.

Thank you for joining me! Let’s make 2025 a year of action and growth. You’ve got this, Thrivers!

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 44 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Happy New Year, Thrivers! 🎉

In this special episode of Thriving Parenting, I sit down with Sophy, a previous client who embarked on the Sleep Godmother Program when her son, Kai, was just five months old. Now at 10 months, Sophy reflects on her experience, sharing the ups, the downs, and the invaluable lessons she gained along the way.

Sophy opens up about the challenges of contact napping, the feelings of uncertainty, and how trusting herself and Kai transformed their sleep journey. Together, we explore the realities of seeking change, the discomforts of stepping out of old habits, and the ultimate reward of a more confident and connected parenting experience.

• Sophy's Background: Moving from Melbourne to sunny Queensland without family support and navigating life as a first-time mum.
• The Turning Point: Why Sophy reached out for sleep support and how a family recommendation led her to the Sleep Godmother Program.
• The Process: Insights into the three-week tailored support program, including daily logs, text support, and regular coaching calls.
• Breakthrough Moments: Learning to trust Kai’s cues, let go of control, and embrace a holistic approach to sleep, including the impact of nutrition and physical activity.
• The Result: A transformed relationship with sleep that brought independence, confidence, and trust for both mum and baby.
• Sophy's Advice: “This too shall pass.” Her reflections on surrendering to the process and recognising that every family’s journey is unique.

This heartfelt conversation is a must-listen for any parent navigating the challenges of sleep, seeking support, or simply needing a reminder that they’re not alone. Sophy’s story is a testament to the power of trust, patience, and letting go of self-imposed pressure.

About Sophy:

Sophy, originally from Melbourne, now calls sunny Queensland home. She moved there with her husband four years ago and is a proud mum to her 10-month-old son, Kai.

When consistent contact napping became unsustainable, Sophy turned to Jen's signature Sleep Godmother Program https://sleepthrivegrow.squarespace.com/sleep-godmother-program. This three-week journey offered one-on-one sleep coaching and parent mentoring, providing the support she needed to create positive change.

In this episode, Sophy reflects on her experience, sharing the highs and lows of her sleep support journey. Five months on, she discusses the transformation she’s witnessed, offering reassurance and inspiration to other mums who feel overwhelmed or scared to take the next step toward change.

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 43 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Welcome to Thriving Parenting, the podcast where we explore the joys, challenges, and everything in between that comes with raising children. In this episode, I’m thrilled to sit down with Dr. Leon Levitt, a GP obstetrician with over 30 years of experience helping parents navigate the complexities of raising little ones.

Dr. Levitt is the co-director of Grantham House Medical Practice and the founder of Baby Steps Health, a multidisciplinary centre supporting babies and their families. He’s also the author of What Do I Do Now? The Basics of Parenting Babies Without Stress, a book designed to simplify parenting and help you embrace the process without the overwhelm.

Together, we unpack his philosophy on parenting with perspective, understanding your child’s developmental stages, and the importance of adjusting your parenting style as your child grows. We dive into:

• Why parenting needs a developmental perspective.
• The power of the pause and how it can transform your parenting responses.
• Addressing common parenting myths, like the instinct to “fix” every cry or tantrum.
• The importance of leading with joy and embracing the messiness of family life.
• Practical advice for navigating early parenthood and beyond, tailored to both you and your child’s unique needs.

Dr. Levitt offers a refreshing perspective that removes the pressure to get everything “right” and instead focuses on connection, kindness, and adapting to your child’s growth.

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed as a parent, this episode is filled with wisdom and practical tips to help you parent with confidence and calm.

Dr Leon Levitt is an experienced GP Obstetrician who has been professionally changing nappies, settling babies, caring for young children and guiding parents for over 30 years.

In 2015 he founded the Baby Steps Health Centre, to reduce the challenges parents face in accessing quality care for their children. 

He is the author of ‘What do I do now? Click here to access your copy  The basics of parenting babies… without stress’, a book about common parental anxieties, and the overriding principles he uses in his medical practice to empower parents. Together with Dr Maria Kailis, he owns and works at Grantham House Family Medical Practice, a family friendly General Practice in Wembley.

I hope this episode resonates with you and offers the reassurance that you are doing an incredible job. Remember, don’t try to fix everything—be there, support, and find joy in the journey.

Until next time, Thrivers!

Welcome to another episode of Thriving Parenting! Today, I’m delving into an important yet often avoided topic: Where are we avoiding discomfort in our parenting? How might this avoidance be hindering both our growth and that of our children? I cannot wait to explore this topic with you, as it’s something I encounter often in my coaching and, admittedly, in my own parenting journey.

In this episode, I share a personal story about a situation where I avoided discomfort for a while, only to face it head-on with transformative results. I’ll provide a real-life example involving one of my children and discuss common areas where we, as parents, might try to sidestep discomfort. Together, we’ll reflect on whether these avoidance patterns truly serve us—or if they prevent us and our children from thriving.

We’ll examine:

• How avoiding discomfort might stop us from achieving the thriving life we desire for ourselves and our children.
• Key areas where this avoidance often shows up in parenting, such as managing big emotions, setting boundaries, and allowing mistakes.
• Practical strategies for embracing discomfort as a necessary part of growth and connection.

I also want to share a heartwarming testimonial from Andrea, a client who engaged with my Sleep Godmother program. She described her transformative experience in these words:

"Within a few days, our 15-month-old went from waking up 3–8 times a night to sleeping through or waking only once. Jen’s support was a game changer for our family."

Andrea’s story reminds me of how often discomfort arises during big changes. It’s relevant to this episode because, in helping families, I often see that transformation begins when we confront discomfort with courage and empathy.

Finally, I reflect on my recent parenting experience, where I helped my daughter transition away from thumb-sucking—a deeply ingrained habit. It required navigating her big emotions, setting firm but loving boundaries, and working through my own discomfort as a parent. The result? Watching her proudly declare, “Mum, I’m so proud of myself!”

This episode is a reminder that discomfort and growth go hand-in-hand. Whether it’s guiding our children through life’s challenges or embracing our own vulnerabilities, leaning into discomfort fosters resilience, connection, and understanding.

Thank you for tuning in! If this episode resonated with you, please take a moment to leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify—it truly helps this podcast reach more listeners. Don’t forget to share it with someone who might benefit from this message.

Until next time, Thrivers! Let’s embrace the discomfort, grow together, and keep thriving.

Are you ready to thrive in baby sleep? Click here for your FREE 15 minute sleep clarity session with Jen today! https://www.sleepthrivegrow.com/contact

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 41 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Welcome, Thrivers! In this exciting episode of Thriving Parenting, I sit down with the incredible Dr Kyla, a renowned Australian paediatric dietitian who specialises in fussy eating. If you've ever wondered how to navigate the tricky world of baby and toddler eating habits, this episode is a must-listen.

We dive deep into:

• The common causes of fussy eating in babies vs toddlers.
• How to find the balance between milk and solids at each age and stage.
• Signs to watch for that might indicate a need for extra support with your child's eating.
• Practical strategies for reducing mealtime anxiety (for both kids and parents!).
• Debunking myths about baby-led weaning and parental feeding styles.

Dr Kyla shares her expert insights, along with heartfelt stories about raising her own children, who are no strangers to fussy eating. She reminds us that every family’s feeding journey is unique and that it’s all about meeting your child where they are—not where you think they should be.

Whether you’re currently navigating fussy eating or want to prepare yourself for potential challenges, this episode is packed with relatable anecdotes and actionable advice.

About Dr. Kyla:

Dr Kyla is a Paediatric Dietitian, Mum of 2 and founder of the online subscriptions, Baby Mealtimes, Toddler

Mealtimes and Family Mealtimes. She has a PhD in childhood weight management and has worked extensively

with selective eaters. Kyla works to support families with starting solids, navigating fussy eating and raising

children who can be confident and adventurous eaters.

Resources:

Baby Mealtimes https://babymealtimes.com.au/

Toddler Mealtimes: https://toddlermealtimes.com.au/

Family Mealtimes https://familymealtimes.com.au

or mealtimes.com.au

Connect with Dr Kyla:

• Website: drkyla.com.au
• Instagram: @dr_kyla

If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and leave a review! It helps more Thrivers find our community. And as always, reach out to share your thoughts or questions about the topics we discuss.

Join us next week as we tackle toddler tantrums and how to keep your cool in the chaos. Until next time, keep thriving!

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 40 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Today, we’re diving deep into a topic that many parents grapple with: why we might still be rocking or feeding our older babies and toddlers to sleep, even now that they’re beyond the newborn stage. Let me just say this upfront: this is a non-judgmental space. No guilt, no shame—just exploration, awareness, and empowerment.

If you know me or follow me online, you know I’m all about minimising stress in parenting. My ultimate goal is to help you thrive—whatever that looks like for you. Parenting is not one-size-fits-all, and your emotional well-being matters just as much as your child’s. Stress impacts the quality of your parenting, and what works for you is just as important as what works for your child.

This episode is all about bringing awareness to why we do what we do during sleep time and giving ourselves the grace to ask, “Does this still align with me? Does this still feel good?” Because, as we know, nothing changes if nothing changes. Once we’re aware of why we’re doing something, we have the power to decide: do we want to continue, or is it time to pivot?

Here’s what we’ll unpack in today’s conversation:

1. Choice vs. Habit: Are we rocking or feeding to sleep because it aligns with our values, or is it something we feel “stuck” doing out of habit or fear?
2. Knowledge Gaps: Understanding how self-soothing and natural sleep processes evolve in babies and toddlers, and how we can nurture this growth while staying responsive.
3. Parenting Mindset: Recognising if control, fear, or societal pressure is playing a role in our sleep routines—and how to break free of those cycles.
4. The Role of Support: Why a lack of support, whether from a partner, community, or resources, can make these routines feel like the only option.
5. Empowerment Through Awareness: How to read your child’s cues more clearly, trust yourself as a parent, and step into a confident, balanced approach to sleep.

If today’s episode resonated with you, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Share your insights or questions with me, and let’s keep this conversation going. Until next time, Thrivers—keep growing, keep thriving, and know that you’re doing an amazing job. 🌟

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 39 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here. 

Welcome Thrivers! I’m so excited to bring you another guest episode of Thriving Parenting. Today, I’m joined by the incredible Rachel Lee, an award-winning photographer, mom of three boys, and a passionate advocate for embracing the full spectrum of motherhood—the beautiful, challenging, and everything in between.

In this episode, Rachel and I dive into her deeply personal journey of motherhood, beginning with the struggles she faced as a first-time mom. She shares how a traumatic birth, sleep deprivation, and breastfeeding challenges made her question whether she was cut out for parenting. Over time, Rachel reframed her mindset, learning to embrace the ups and downs of motherhood and finding joy in the process.

Rachel also opens up about her decision to expand her family, her approach to navigating hard seasons, and how her perspective shifted with each child. She candidly discusses her experience with overwhelming health challenges and her transformative decision to undergo a hysterectomy—a choice that profoundly improved her quality of life and parenting journey.

We also talk about Rachel’s powerful passion project, The Colors of Motherhood. This photography series captures the raw, unspoken realities of motherhood and pairs them with stories from moms of diverse backgrounds. Rachel shares how this project helps validate the hard emotions of motherhood, fosters connection, and gives voice to feelings often left unspoken.

Throughout this episode, Rachel and I reflect on how motherhood reshapes our identities, teaches us about resilience, and challenges us to seek support and let go of perfectionism.

In This Episode, We Cover:

• The emotional rollercoaster of becoming a first-time mom
• Reframing challenges and embracing the seasons of motherhood
• How each child brings a unique experience and healing
• Rachel’s journey through chronic health struggles and the decision to have a hysterectomy
• The inspiration and stories behind The Colors of Motherhood project
• Practical self-care tips for busy moms (yes, including how a keep-cup can be life-changing!)
• Why asking for help is an act of courage, not failure

About Rachel Lee:

Rachel Lee is a mum of 3 zestful boys, who are 8, 6 and 3 who teach her how to enjoy the moment, even when it’s full body tackles. Her motherhood experiences have been both joyful and challenging and through parenting her boys, she has discovered more about herself than she ever expected. She is also the creative force, founder and photographer behind Scribbly Gum Photography. She is an International award-winning photographer, and most recently, also received the Illawarra Women in Business award for Outstanding Customer Service.

Rachel has a deep passion for capturing the essence of motherhood in all it’s forms - motherhood is more than the beautiful moments of love and connection. She has created a Colours of Motherhood Magazine. This is a collection of stories from a diverse group of mums, who have each shared a challenge they have faced in motherhood. Rachel has created an image to represent the feelings each mum faced when navigating their challenge. She created this magazine to try and start to change the narrative of experiencing challenges in motherhood as common, and not have it being equated to personal failings. She hopes that mums reading it will see that they are not alone in their feelings and experiences.

Rachel is also a volunteer photographer for Heartfelt, an organisation that provides photography services for families who have experienced stillbirths, premature births or have children with terminal illnesses. For these families, photography can be an important part of their healing process. Rachel has also supported and trained newer photographers starting their volunteer journey with Heartfelt.

Prior to working as a photographer, Rachel was working in physical rehabilitation as an exercise physiologist. It was in this work that Rachel learnt about the importance of being able to hold space and provide opportunities for difficult conversations to be had.

Connect with Rachel:

Website: https://scribblygumphotography.com.au/

Colours of Motherhood Magazine: https://scribblygumphotography.com.au/product/colours-of-motherhood-

magazine/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scribbly.gum.photography/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scribbly.gum.photography/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-lee-photographer/

Watch my free empowerment video and in less than 20 mins, gain some healthy Instagram perspective to help you to stay clear and become mindful of the Instagram vortex.

For more information on this topic, head to the show notes: Episode 38 Show Notes

And I’d love to hear your thoughts on this episode! Come and connect with me on Instagram at @sleep_thrive_grow.

And click the +Follow button to never miss an episode. New episodes are released every Tuesday!

To find out more about how I can support you, visit my website here.